PNP Chief De la Rosa lauds Gov. Espino III

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has given due recognition to the active support given by Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III in the campaign against illegal drugs.

This was conveyed by General Dela Rosa when he handed the award to Governor Espino during the 115th Police Service Anniversary on Friday at Camp Oscar Florendo in San Fernando City, La Union on Friday.

The award cited Espino ” for his invaluable and continuing support to the PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan (Project Double Barrel), which led to several significant accomplishments against illegal drugs in the province of Pangasinan.

The citation is a testament that the provincial leadership performs well in addressing the problem of drug menace in the province through various programs in support of the PNP’s project “Double Barrel” launched last July 1.

Former governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. was also present to personally convey to General Dela Rosa his support to the anti-drug campaign initiated by President Duterte.

During his stint as governor of Pangasinan, the elder Espino has earmarked a sizeable amount of the provincial budget for the anti-illegal drugs campaign when he ordered the full-activation of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) to strengthen PNP’s efforts to curb illegal drugs.

In that ceremony, dela Rosa lauded the active participation of national government agencies, local government units and barangay councils to fulfill President Duterte’s directive to wipe out illegal drugs in the country.

“The momentum is ours now; let us not waste this chance,” the PNP chief stressed as he challenged policemen of Region 1 to double and even triple their efforts to fully eradicate illegal drugs until January 1 next year, the end of the six-month period given them by the President to finally eradicate drug problem in the country.

Dela Rosa also bestowed special unit awards to the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office for having neutralized Most Number of Private Armed Group (PAG) leaders and members during the election period; for providing Comprehensive Security Coverage to ensure safe and fair conduct of Election 2016 in Pangasinan and being one of the provinces categorized as Election Watchlist Area Nationwide with the Least Election Related Violent Incidents comparing to other EWAs; and Best Performing Unit on Project Double Barrel.

Other awardees from Pangasinan include: Pangasinan PPSC (Best Provincial Public Safety) and Pozorrubio Police Station (Best Women and Children Protection Desk). PNA/northboundasia.com